Do You Think You’re the True Leader of Akatsuki?

Orochimaru, the master of deception.

If there was one thing he excelled at, it was ambushes.

And just now—

When he saw **Kuzo's golden eyes** up close for the first time, something inside him stirred.

The feeling was almost identical to when he had first laid eyes on the **Sharingan**.

He **had** to obtain them.

Without hesitation, he made his move.

His hand was only **thirty centimeters** away from Kuzo's face when—

**"Hadō #58: Tenran."**

*Boom!*

A powerful white whirlwind exploded out of nowhere, slamming directly into Orochimaru's face!

"?!?"

*Whoosh!*

Blown away like a ragdoll, Orochimaru crashed through several trees before slamming into the ground.

*Cough!*

A mouthful of **blood** splattered onto the dirt.

His head spun.

What… just happened?

**When did this guy form a seal?!**

Nearby, the masked man narrowed his eyes.

Tch. **That strange pupil technique again.**

First, a **golden lightning technique with no seals**.

Then, a **blue fire attack**.

And now, a **wind jutsu**?

This golden-eyed freak… how many abilities did he have?!

Orochimaru pushed himself up, wiping the blood from his lips.

But before he could speak—

**"Orochimaru."**

Kuzo's voice was calm, almost bored.

"This little game ends here."

Orochimaru chuckled lowly, his snake-like eyes locking onto Kuzo's.

"Heh… I suppose so."

"I thought I might get lucky just now, but it seems you're not so easy to catch off guard."

"That said…"

Orochimaru's smirk widened.

"I hear Akatsuki is **recruiting** members."

"Shouldn't you be inviting me to join?"

"I'm very interested in your organization. And if I were to join… well, wouldn't that make Akatsuki even stronger?"

Kuzo remained silent.

Orochimaru continued, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.

"I also have access to **classified intelligence** from multiple nations. Surely, that would be useful to your organization?"

Kuzo smirked.

Ah… **so this was his real goal.**

The snake wanted in.

Out of curiosity, Kuzo glanced at his system panel.

A **new set of side missions** had appeared:

- **Recruit 1 Akatsuki member** (0/1) — Reward: Unknown

- **Recruit 2 Akatsuki members** (0/2) — Reward: Unknown

- **Recruit 3 Akatsuki members** (0/3) — Reward: Unknown

So, for every member he recruited, he'd receive **a reward.**

And **Orochimaru was practically offering himself for free.**

No reason to refuse.

Kuzo chuckled.

"It seems… you do fit Akatsuki well."

"Fine. In the name of Leader Pain, I **accept your membership.**"

"?!?"

Both Orochimaru and the masked man turned to stare.

Orochimaru was **pleased**—he hadn't expected to be accepted so quickly.

But the masked man?

The masked man was **furious.**

Of course, he couldn't show it.

So instead, in **ALFY's usual tone,** he protested,

"Eh? Senior Kuzo?! I-I don't think this is a good idea!"

"If Orochimaru joins, he might steal our secrets!"

"I think we should reject him!"

Orochimaru's smile twitched.

He was about to argue—

But before he could, Kuzo **cut him off.**

He turned to the masked man and **rolled his eyes.**

"You're just an intern. **Why are you making decisions?**"

"..."

Then, Kuzo took a slow step forward, staring directly into the spiral mask.

He smiled.

"Or do you think…"

"**You're the real leader behind Akatsuki?**"

"That you have more authority than Pain?"

The words **hung in the air like a blade.**

Silence.

Underneath the mask, **Obito clenched his fists.**

What…?

He was the **real** leader of Akatsuki.

Wasn't he?

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